Satsangs

Satsang is a compound Sanskrit word that means “keeping the company of the Self.” The Self, Awareness, is the true nature of everyone and one keeps company with it by continually meditating on it in many ways. One of the most effective methods involves discussing non-dual teachings with someone who has realized his or her identity as the Self, to get clarity with reference to Self inquiry. The satsangs posted here are the questions of many people around the world who are interested in enlightenment and find that Vedanta is their preferred means of Self knowledge. Since I am a teacher of Vedanta, a time tested means of self inquiry, I am qualified to reply to these questions.~James Swartz

ShiningWorld Reader

Ayumi: Dear James, in my yoga practice usually I am aware of the observer which is observing my body, thoughts, etc. Is it same as viveka? Or different?

James:Viveka is knowing what is the body and what is the observer, you. It is knowledge that you are the awareness that knows the body and Ayumi. Who is aware of awareness? Is it Ayumi or is it awareness? Or is Ayumi just name for awareness? It is awareness, you. Ayumi is not a person who is aware of awareness. She is awareness aware of itself with the belief that she is Ayumi, someone separate from awareness, someone who is aware of awareness. Viveka is just knowledge. Moksa is when this knowledge “I am Ayumi and not the body” is there even when Ayumi is not in meditation, because awareness is and the body is all the time. It is good to have this experience in meditation because it stimulates inquiry but it is not good for Ayumi to try to be aware of awareness all the time or a vasana for the aware of awareness experience will develop and frustration will set in. Moksa is when you know that you are awareness at all times. But it is not a continuous knowledge in the sense that it does not have to be in your mind as a conscious thought all the time. It is like the knowledge of your name. It is there but hidden. When you need it, it is available. When you don’t you just think and feel what you think and feel, knowing that your thoughts and feelings are just you appearing as thoughts and feelings.

Ayumi: It seems that meditating on “I’m already happy” works a lot, more than when I’m trying to investigate who I am and what is not me. Is this viveka too? Or I should work on viveka besides meditating on “I’m already happy”?

James: Yes, this is viveka too. Any and all Vedanta teachings are viveka.

Ayumi: I feel very powerful and I laugh a lot when I meditate on this! I think the affirmation mantras like “I am already happy” are great. They keep the mind focused on the self and deliver lots of bliss.

~ Love and peace, Ayumi

Contacting Shining World

For years I have happily and diligently responded to communications on the topic of Self realization. Since the publication of my book, “How to Attain Enlightenment”— currently in its third printing —and the success of this website, the volume of emails has increased considerably. Unfortunately, owing to a busy schedule of teaching and writing, I am no longer able to answer all the emails I receive in a timely fashion. However, my wife, who is also a teacher, and several well-qualified teachers we have endorsed are available to answer emails on my behalf. I encourage you to send them your questions.
— James SwartzContact Us